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Carnations or dianthus ("flower of the gods") date back to ancient Greece and Rome where they are first mentioned as being used as garlands for special ceremonies and celebrations.

A popular favorite throughout Europe for centuries, it wasn't until the mid-19th century when the first shipment of carnations arrived in the U.S. from France.

Since then, carnations have become a common flower worn as corsages, in men's lapels as buttoners, and an indispensible part of U.S. Mother's Day celebrations.

In the home garden, carnations prefer full sun and well drained soil. Once established, they begin blooming in spring and throughout the growing season until early fall....

On the Web - How to plant & grow carnations, pinks & sweet william :

Carnations, Pinks and Sweet Williams - Sowing, growing and propagating by cuttings, with additional facts on care & maintenance, tips on starting dianthus from seed.

Ohio's Famed Floral Emblem: The Scarlet Carnation - Interesting history of how the carnation became the official state flower plus general description and growing tips, how to recognize differences among carnations, pinks, & sweet williams, plus recommended varieties, pictures.

Detailed information on Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) - One-stop browsing for information on U.S. hardiness zones, soil, water & sunlight requirements, propagation, seed collecting, related pictures, plus member-contributed tips & advice.

Carnations Make Good Garden Plants - Overview of their history, a guide to sowing, planting and caring for carnations in the home garden with good descriptions of a number of popular varieties.

Carnation, Pinks (Dianthus) - Complete list of known pests & diseases, with suggestions for cures, remedies & prevention from the Plant Pest Handbook.

Carnations - History, symbolism & folklore, references to carnations in poetry & literature, from Wikipedia.

Colored Carnations Science Experiment - Kid-friendly class project with list of required materials, complete instructions, pictures and related coloring pages.

Carnation Course Outline - Fee-based online class for the serious home gardner or commercial grower.

also see in Flower Gardening -> Asters | Bellflowers

Candytufts | Chrysanthemums | Geraniums

Lavender | Sweet Pea | Violets